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Karl Stelmack Obituary
While there is not much solace here, he did live a life of hard, detailed work where humor and adventure found a way into his every day life.
He was predeceased by his parents George and Esther Stelmack. He leaves his wife of 23 years, Katrina (Rado), and his much loved son, Zachary. Karl had a brief stint with motocross racing and the love of this sport was shared by father and son. As a brother, he will leave a hole that cannot be filled for his sisters, Georgann Dickey and Kristin Kehmna. His nieces, nephews, and in-laws will miss the visits on the Stelmack Farm. Even though he did not carry on the tradition of tobacco and strawberries, there were fields, barns, and gardens of beauty in keeping with his wife's special touch.
Karl graduated from Suffield High School in 1977 and the University of Hartford with a B.A. in criminal justice in 1981. He worked in the Connecticut prison system as a counselor at the time of his retirement. Never a man to rest, he started and ran his one man business, Green Acres Lawn-care, with detail and professionalism. This seasonal work gave him the opportunity to make Vermont his winter wonderland of backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, and fat tire biking. His love of the area culminated in the purchase of a getaway home with a view of Mt. Jay. His family and friends will miss him beyond measure.
A private service will be held to honor his life.
Donations can be made in Karl's name to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 or NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness, 3803 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203.
Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home has care of arrangements.
To leave online condolences please visit
www.carmonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karl Stelmack
David Hilyard
March 22, 2021
Well, Karl, it's been two years, and we think of you often with fondness and regret. You were a friend that we could trust completely. And you always had that look of bemusement. We like to think that our paths will cross again.
Ginny and Dave Hilyard
Terri Saletnik
May 8, 2019
I am just hearing this news! So very sad. He was doing my lawn for close to 10 years, and we had some interesting conversation and he was so kind to me when I lost my job. He will truly be missed!! Terri
Ken Leorux
May 1, 2019
I knew Carl for many years and we race motocross together for a few years , He was always a man to help out with anything . I will say he made me laugh none stop for hours at a time while driving to different race tracks . Looking at his picture here reminds me of so many good times . I miss my good friend .
April 4, 2019
I had the honor to have worked and laughed and ate lunch and conferred nearly every day with Karl both at Somers prison and Northern CI. I am heartbroken to hear of his passing. I would like to offer the family my condolences.
Harry Pray
April 1, 2019
Condolences to the Stelmack Family. Worked with Karl in the Reception Diagnostic Unit at Somers C.I. He was great guy with a great sense of humor. R.I P. Karl
Tom Barone
Cheryl Bermani-McCann
April 1, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss. I graduated with Karl and thought highly of him. Prayers and hugs to his family.
John Petrakis
April 1, 2019
I cannot say how much the news of Karl's passing has saddened me. It has been a long time since I left Suffield and had only managed to stop by for a few visits over several years, but when we chatted it always felt like it was just a few days since our last meeting. We got into a bit of mischief together from time to time in high school days... and it's always with great feelings that I've recounted some of our exploits to many of my friends and colleagues with great pride. Even though I have been an absentee friend, I thought about him often.
Mary Ellen Bonelli
April 1, 2019
I graduated with Karl and considered him a dear friend. I am so saddened to learn of his sudden death. I am sure he will be sorely missed as he was a wonderful, and sweet guy. Rest my old pal.
NOREEN FAUDREE
March 31, 2019
Kathy, so sorry to hear. Peace to you and your family.
Patricia Mascetti
March 31, 2019
My sincere condolences to Karl's family. He was a good man. God Bless.
Mark & Ethel Chisnall
March 31, 2019
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Sandy Polom
March 30, 2019
Kathy,
Our deepest sympathy - keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Fran & Sandy Polom
Ft. Lauderdale Beach New Years Eve for 1978
Wally Padegimas
March 30, 2019
Rest in peace Karl. My sincere condolences to Karl's wife and son and to Georgann, Kristin and their families.
Thank you for your service to the State of Connecticut and the Dept. of Corrections.
March 29, 2019
Wendy Leak
March 29, 2019
Dear Stelmack Family, My name is Wendy Leak and I worked with Karl for 2 years at Northern C.I. Karl was one of my BEST mentors! He taught me how to deal with some of the most difficult offenders professionally, effectively and with humor. I will forever be grateful to Karl and your sacrifice to the Connecticut DOC. My prayers and condolences to you on the loss of Karl. May the Lord strengthen you during this difficult time and give you some peace with his loving memories. I attached a fond memory picture of Karl, myself and our piers from 1-29-1998, my last day working at that facility. In the picture from left to right is Karl, Secretary Donna Wilson, Counselor John Perkins Captain Reginald Simms and I am in the front CTO Leak, the short black female :)
Northern C.I. 1-29-1998
Wendy Leak
March 29, 2019
Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home
March 29, 2019
With deepest sympathy during this time of difficulty.
Kathy & Brian Ouimette
March 28, 2019
Kathy & Zach, Brian and I send our condolences to you and your family. Our heart goes out to you! Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Prayers being sent! Love you!
JonPaul Bibeau
March 28, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. So many great memories working with you.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Maria Malmborg
March 28, 2019
Joe and I are so sorry to hear of Karl's passing. Sending prayers love and hugs to you and Zachary and the rest of the family.
Stephen Zaczynski
March 28, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ruthk Remington king
March 28, 2019
My condolences to all of his family. My dad always spoke highly of him and know he will miss him.
Dave and Ginny Hilyard
March 28, 2019
Karl, we wish you had said goodbye before you left us. We hope you knew that we loved you so much and we will miss you greatly and forever. Life wasn't easy for you, but you gave us strength and support. The photograph posted here communicates the bemusement with which you viewed life. But it also covered the pain which you felt. You are up in Heaven now, and, if you want to keep working, we hope the Lord will find you some good, hard physical labor. If you don't want to keep working, then relax and have a couple of beers. We will envision you, out in the fields doing your annual mowing and stopping to talk. We wish you hadn't left us, but we understand. We will see you again someday.
MGJ GoJim
March 28, 2019
Had the pleasure of working with Karl in the early years of NCI. Condolences to his family.
Jenna Kehmna
March 28, 2019
I'll never forget your sense of humor. You always made us laugh. I'll miss the dinners at Kaptain Jimmy's with you. Thanks for all the memories, you are so loved and missed.
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